Exciting films featuring hijabis globally are available to watch on Qalbox. We are currently running a limited time promo for you to enjoy unlimited access to Qalbox and Muslim Pro ad-free! Claim it now!

New York native, Nazma Khan, came to the United States at the young age of 11 from Bangladesh. She was the only student in hijab at her school.

That drew attention to her- including in the form of bullying. Names like “Batman” and “Ninja” were casually thrown at her in school.

In 2013, Nazma organized the first World Hijab Day as a means to foster personal freedom of religious expression and cultural understanding by inviting women from all walks of life to experience the hijab for one day on February 1st annually.

These days, various events are held to organize World Hijab Day. From “try-a-hijab” booths on campus, special exhibitions on hijab, and even hijab styling events to recognize Muslim women globally who choose to don the hijab and adhere to modesty. 

Films are a great way to highlight the various experiences hijabis may face. 

Here are three shows on Qalbox to watch to mark this special day:

1. Hijabista Ballet

17-year-old Adele began training as a ballerina from a very young age. With the support of her parents, ballet was her life. Until one day, when she witnessed a life-changing moment that led her to realize how temporal life on this earth is, and the true meaning of submission to Allah s.w.t.

Adele decides to don the hijab, much to the chagrin of her parents, ballet teacher and friends. She pushes through, cheered on by her devout grandmother. However, Adele does not want to give up on ballet. 

How does Adele navigate the world of ballet, while holding firm to her faith? What does she do when a stranger on the streets of Australia yanks the cloth on her head?

And more importantly, what inspires her to hold her (covered) head up high?

Recommended for: Middle school students and up

2. Women in Veil

A group of three married women, and one single friend, decide to start a modest fashion business, without the knowledge of their husbands! 

Starring Indonesian heavyweights such as Carissa Putri, Zaskia Adya Mecca, Tika Bravani and Natasha Rizki, with director Hanung Bramantyo at the helm, this fun, candid Indonesian dramedy (with English subtitles) is bound to get you laughing at the antics of these women. 

Mothers with young children will surely relate to the challenges of trying to balance work, family and other demands. Young adult hijabis will be inspired at the potential of the modest fashion industry and how being a hijabi does not limit your potential.

The show reminds women and men that they each have roles and responsibilities, and should support each other in matters that are good.

Recommended for: High Schoolers and up

3. Dalya’s Other Country

A documentary about Dalya, a Syrian refugee living in America, who is the only hijabi at the private Catholic school she attends in Los Angeles. Dalya balances faith, settling in her new home, culture, family expectations and just trying to be a normal teenager.

Viewers are brought into the intimate world of this family as they tackle complex experiences, including immigration, assimilation, divorce, and feminism, against the backdrop of mounting tensions surrounding America’s Muslim immigration policies.

Recommended for: High Schoolers and up